Aldo II: Reds Long for Shane

Shane Long could be set to follow in the footsteps of John Aldridge by becoming the darling of the Anfield Kop. Ireland's forward is a target for Liverpool in the January transfer window, according to newspaper reports. The in-form striker has scored seven goals this season to push West Brom to an unlikely fourth in the Premier League.

Shane Long could be set to follow in the footsteps of John Aldridge by becoming the darling of the Anfield Kop. Ireland’s forward is a target for Liverpool in the January transfer window, according to newspaper reports. The in-form striker has scored seven goals this season to push West Brom to an unlikely fourth in the Premier League.

The 25-year-old is rumoured to be the subject of a £12 million move to Anfield in the New Year. The Tipperary native has struggled to convince Irish manager Giovanni Trapattoni of his worth in the starting line-up but Liverpool’s Brendan Rodgers could be set to bring the former Cork City player to Merseyside.

Liverpool were linked with Long last year and his seven goals so far this season, including against Chelsea and Man City, have clubs on alert.

A move to Liverpool could also prove a huge boost for Ireland. Long, who is represented by Pat Dolan, could be set to emulate the feats of Irish and Reds fan favourite John Aldridge who scored 50 goals in his Anfield career and at one point was Ireland’s record goal-scorer.